Queen Anna by Tony Riches: Book Review
Queen Anna by Tony Riches: Book Review
A historical fiction novel about Anna of Denmark, royal marriage, court intrigue, witchcraft accusations, and a queen determined to protect her position and family. The first book in the Stuart Queens Trilogy.
About Queen Anna by Tony Riches
Queen Anna by Tony Riches is a historical fiction novel centred on Princess Anna of Denmark and her marriage to King James VI of Scotland. Published by Preseli Press on July 9, 2026, the book begins the Stuart Queens Trilogy. The supplied edition details list a print length of 366 pages.
Anna's journey to Scotland is disrupted by severe storms at sea. The events surrounding her voyage contribute to growing fears about witchcraft in her new kingdom. At court, she must navigate suspicion, competing interests, and an uneasy royal marriage.
The conflict becomes more personal when decisions about raising her children threaten Anna's role as a mother. Rather than accepting the position expected of her without resistance, she attempts to defend her place within the royal household.
The story moves from Scotland to the English court, following Anna through a world in which marriage, family, political influence, and royal expectations are closely connected.
Historical Fiction, Royal Intrigue, and Anna's Struggle
One of the central subjects of Queen Anna is the difficulty of exercising personal influence within a royal system governed by political interests. Anna enters her marriage as a princess whose future has been shaped by dynastic expectations. Her experiences at court place her in situations where personal wishes and royal duties do not necessarily agree.
The novel's premise also connects royal life with the period's fears surrounding witchcraft. Storms, suspicion, and an atmosphere of uncertainty create a setting in which events can carry consequences beyond their immediate circumstances.
Family relationships provide another important thread. The question of who raises Anna's children makes the struggle for influence deeply personal. Her position as queen does not automatically protect her from decisions made by others within the court.
The movement between Scotland and England broadens the story beyond a single royal household. Readers interested in historical novels about monarchy, royal marriage, political manoeuvring, and women's experiences in European royal courts may find this premise particularly relevant.
What Makes Queen Anna Worth Exploring?
A lesser-known royal figure: The novel places Anna of Denmark at the centre of the narrative, offering a story focused on her experiences rather than treating her solely as a figure connected to a king.
Conflicts beyond the throne: Marriage, motherhood, and the struggle to retain influence give the story personal stakes alongside its political setting.
A tense historical setting: Witchcraft accusations, court suspicion, and shifting alliances form part of the circumstances surrounding Anna's life.
A series beginning: As the first book in the Stuart Queens Trilogy, Queen Anna introduces a wider series devoted to royal women's stories.
Who Should Read Queen Anna?
This book may interest readers who enjoy historical fiction about queens, royal families, arranged marriages, court politics, and the lives of women navigating powerful institutions.
It is also worth exploring if your reading interests include Scottish and English royal history, stories involving witchcraft accusations, or fiction that considers the tension between public duty and private relationships.
Readers looking for a historical novel focused primarily on contemporary settings, light-hearted plots, or fast-paced action without much royal or political context may want to examine the book description before deciding whether it matches their preferences.
Queen Anna Audiobook: Narration by Ruth Urquhart
The audiobook is narrated by Ruth Urquhart. Readers who prefer listening to historical fiction can consider the audio edition alongside the print and digital formats. Narration is an important part of the audiobook experience, particularly in a story involving royal characters, different settings, and court dialogue.
The narrator credit is included here as an edition detail; no unsupported claims about the quality of the performance are made.
Book Details
Title: Queen Anna
Author: Tony Riches
Series: Stuart Queens Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Preseli Press
Publication date: July 9, 2026
Print length: 366 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Audiobook narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Final Thoughts on Queen Anna
Queen Anna by Tony Riches centres on the pressures surrounding a royal marriage and the challenge of maintaining influence in a court shaped by political interests, suspicion, and family conflict. Its focus on Anna of Denmark gives readers an opportunity to explore a royal woman's story through the lens of historical fiction.
If you are looking for historical fiction featuring queens, royal intrigue, witchcraft accusations, and the personal costs of political duty, this novel may be a useful addition to your reading list.
